Sandweiler vehicle inspections enroute for Saturday opening

The vehicle inspection station in Sandweiler (SNCT) should remain open from 7am to 7pm weekdays and until 1pm on Saturdays. This is to meet customer demand and be one step ahead of competition, according to management.

14.03.2012

(ADW) The vehicle inspection centre, for M.O.T. testing, in Sandweiler (SNCT) should remain open from 7am to 7pm weekdays and until 1pm on Saturdays. This is to meet customer demand and be one step ahead of competition, according to management. However the decision has been blocked by the OGBL union who wish to negotiate further.

It is in fact the Saturday opening times that has angered the union. "Employees are not used to working on Saturdays. It's a big change for them”, stated Carole Calmes, union secretary for Energy Services at OGBL.

She regretted that "management does not yet have working model" and they were "still awaiting a written proposal" to management regarding compensation in the form of paid leave being brought to the table to make up for the alleged “loss of quality of life” that could ensue for employees.

Evolution of today's society

"From the beginning we always said we were willing give something without changing cash figures, however we have a complete block on Saturdays" said the director Camille Gonderinger, understanding the reluctance of change to employees imposed by changes in today's society.

The need for change for SNCT is clear: "We have carried out surveys. Four years ago, the rate of those interested was 30%. Last year it was nearly 50%. And following the survey planned in September, is likely to exceed that bar, "argues the SNCT boss.

However he is most concerned about competition and fears that "there will come a day, and I think it's a matter of months, where a competitor will will grab a niche market."

"Absolutely must reach a conclusion before the end of the year"

The director believes that they "can arrive at a quick solution”. For him, "it is essential to reach a conclusion before the end of the year" in order to be operational by spring 2012.

The project will directly generate the creation of thirteen more jobs in the form of additional inspectors at the vehicle inspection centre in Sandweiler, as a beginning.

The next meeting between management and unions is set for September 7 and a following meeting in front of a conciliator is already scheduled for October. 7.